Encounters #

Per the Starships & Travel rules, the referee rolls 2d6 each time the players enter a system while traveling, and once when leaving a world to travel either in-system or between systems. Add the local world’s Population attribute. If the total is 12 or greater, an encounter occurs. The referee determines whom the players encounter, and the disposition of the encountered vessel.

If an encounter occurs, roll a D6. If the result is less than the local Authority rank, roll an encounter from the Insiders list, if greater, roll an encounter from the Outsiders list. If equal, roll one from each. The PCs come across an Insider vessel and an Outsider vessel already interacting with each other (most likely in conflict).

Encounter Lists #

Before play, prepare two lists of encounters for the cluster, each numbered from 1 to 6. One is a list of Insiders, the other is a list of Outsiders. For the first session, as few as three encounters for each is plenty. Add to the lists as the campaign continues and the details of your cluster come into focus. Eventually you may find it useful to create specific lists for certain systems, reflecting the likelyhood of particular encounters in those locations.

The labels of Outsider and Insider are broad descriptors of a relationship to power structures and local authority. They are fuzzy around the edges, and are not value judgements. An encounter with corrupt militia members can be just as dangerous or more than an encounter with pirates. See the lists below for examples, or add them directly to your game.

Example Insiders #

1. System Militia patrolling in a gunship
2. Noble’s pleasure yacht
3. Luxury Liner
4. Gigacorp CEO in a branded cruiser
5. Prisoner Transport
6. Merchant, laden with goods

Outsiders #

1. Ice miners on strike
2. Pirate Raiders
3. Subversive artist
4. War refugees
5. Smugglers
6. Insurgents

Disposition #

Unless the disposition of an encountered NPC is a foregone conclusion, the referee rolls on the following table to determine how NPCs feel about the PCs at the beginning of an encounter. Interpret the result within the bounds of the situation. Frequently a “very negative” result indicates an immediate attack.